As an incident progresses, what is an additional factor to be evaluated in the ongoing size-up?

• A. Establishment of an overall goal for the incident
• B. Actions that can be safely accomplished
• C. The effectiveness of the initial plan
• D. Additional resources needed

Answer: (C)

Ongoing size-up hinges on re-evaluating how the incident is unfolding relative to what you planned. As conditions change and new information comes in, you continuously check whether the plan is achieving the desired objectives and whether tactics are producing the expected results. If things aren’t moving toward the goals or safety is at risk, you adjust the plan, reallocate resources, or shift strategies.

Why this is the best choice: assessing how well the initial plan is working directly ties to the progression of the incident. It informs whether you should continue, modify, or replace the plan to maintain progress toward objectives while keeping responders safe. The other aspects—setting goals, deciding what can be safely done, or identifying additional resources—are important considerations in incident management, but evaluating the plan’s effectiveness as the incident evolves is the key factor that drives timely, appropriate adjustments during size-up.